June 17, 2014
ALTSA: CCRSS 2014-003
RESIDENT/CLIENT PROTECTION PROGRAM AND PROVIDER PRACTICE COORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION OPP
Dear Certified Community Residential Services Provider:
This is to inform you about changes to Residential Care Services (RCS) operational principles and procedures (OPP) for coordination and communication between the Resident and Client Protection Program (RCPP) and staff who conduct complaint investigations.
The amended OPP is only related to RCS procedures and does not include any revisions to expectations of providers during complaint investigations.
A single allegation can result in two separate investigations by RCS staff. Clear guidelines about coordination and communication during investigations are required in order to effectively share information, reduce impact on residents/clients and facility/agency staff, and work collaboratively towards investigating allegations of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation.
The goal of amending this OPP is to simplify and streamline the coordination and communication process between RCPP investigators and complaint investigators. The revised procedures should also lessen the impact to clients and provider staff during an investigation.
This OPP is available on the ALTSA website at http://www.altsa.dshs.wa.gov/professional/crs.htm If you have questions please contact John Gaskell at (360) 725-3210 or by email at GaskeJW@dshs.wa.gov.
Sincerely,
Carl I. Walters II, Director
Residential Care Services